JOEL Caines is being primed to return for Worcester City’s first home league match of the season against South Normanton Athletic tomorrow (Wednesday, 7.45).

The flexible full-back or midfielder missed Saturday’s 4-3 defeat at Newark Flowserve due to being on holiday and will be welcome with summer recruit Kurtis Mewies a doubt.

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“Kurtis hadn’t played for a while and on Saturday we wanted to get him out there to boost his fitness as much as possible, knowing that it would be a slight risk,” said manager Ashley Vincent.

“It was one that probably didn’t pay off in the end. It is more a strain than a full-on injury but we want to give him five or six days to build back up and get that better than it was on Saturday.”

Defender Craig Jones is away for the clash but the rest of the squad should be available despite one or two carrying knocks.

“We are back to competitive football now and like 90 per cent of teams we are carrying niggles,” added Vincent. “Once everyone’s bodies are fully used to it again four or five weeks in those things will iron themselves out.

“The mood was good and the training was sharp on Monday, there were no words about Saturday. It was a bright session and I expect to see the same from the boys in the game.”